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The leatherback sea turtle population in the Pacific, once the stronghold of the species, has declined by over 90% since 1980.

Many of the remaining Pacific leatherbacks nest in the sands of Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Langosta on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Female leatherbacks dig holes with their flippers and lay about 80 round eggs, a process they’ll repeat up to 12 times during the breeding season. In about two months, the fragile hatchlings will emerge.

The world is a dangerous place for these tiny turtles and their parents. They’re threatened by climate change, boat traffic, fishing gear, and humans harvesting their eggs. To truly understand why this ancient species has declined so rapidly and what we can do to stop this decline, researchers need to know everything about them: their behavior, physiology, genetics, population biology, and migration patterns.

To build this knowledge base, you’ll walk the beach at night when turtles are active, getting up close to these massive animals to attach transmitters that will track their local and long-distance movements. You’ll also help relocate eggs from nests in dangerous spots, for example where the waves might wash them away, to a hatchery. This work is critical: with leatherbacks declining at an alarming rate, each turtle is precious.

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Lead scientists

Accommodation and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

The team works hard to foster local education and jobs that are in harmony with protecting leatherback sea turtles on Costa Rica’s beaches.

These researchers have studied leatherbacks for over two decades and built the longest-running database that exists on Pacific marine turtles.

Help this dedicated team study the behavior of adult and newly hatched turtles, their migratory routes, and how human activities and pollution impact them. Only by gathering a trove of data on these ancient creatures can we fully understand the dramatic decline of leatherbacks in the Pacific Ocean and the population dynamics of marine turtles in general.

To do something about this dramatic decline requires lots of information. Because leatherbacks have such large ranges, understanding their migration paths and how fisheries and development reshape their behavior is essential to developing international treaties and conservation strategies. These researchers are just beginning to get a picture of turtle movements and behavior, and they need additional data on near-shore nesting—which you’ll help collect—to understand the impact of fisheries on nesting turtles, as well as the effects of commercial fishing on migrating turtles in the open ocean.

Eggs from a nest below the high-tide line are transferred to a hatchery.

This project’s massive long-term database on the leatherback turtles that nest on these Costa Rican beaches makes an invaluable contribution to marine science. Researchers need this information to understand the impacts over time of development along the beaches, human intrusion, and global warming—impacts that we are just beginning to see on the reproduction and hatching success of leatherbacks.

About the research area

You’ll work in Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (Leatherback National Marine Park), which gained its protected status thanks to the findings of this Earthwatch project. Thousands of leatherback and olive ridley turtles nest on the park’s beaches each year.

Costa Rica hosts some of the richest species diversity on Earth. You’ll tour nearby mangrove estuaries with a local guide, where you might catch a glimpse of American crocodiles, howler monkeys, green iguanas, ctenosaurs (big, iguana-like lizards), and countless kinds of birds.

Guanacaste Province, where this project takes place, is on the northwest coast. Some call it the “Wild West of Costa Rica” because of its booming cattle industry; rodeos and other cattle-related events happen every year. The landscape is covered with savanna, pasture, and inland forest, where Cortes trees dot the land like large umbrellas. The coastline has numerous rocky outcroppings between beautiful white sand beaches.

Experience the life of a true field scientist. You’ll do much of your work at night, when the turtles haul themselves up onto the beach to lay their eggs. A rotating group of team members will work for five or six hours each night and will have time to sleep during the day, when the other group of volunteers goes out. You and your teammates will help:

Observe and monitor nesting leatherbacks. Those working on the beach at night will visit each nesting leatherback to take measurements and record any unusual markings or injuries—in other words, you’ll get as close as a person can to these majestic animals.

Relocate sea turtle nests (October to mid-December teams). Early in the breeding season, you'll check for nests that are in danger of getting washed away, then relocate the eggs in those nests to a hatchery where they can incubate safely.

Release hatchlings in the ocean (Mid-December to February teams). When babies start to emerge from the eggs in the hatchery, these teams will take the tiny turtles down to the water's edge and release them into the wild.

Survey the beach. During the day, teams will count sea turtle nests on the beach, take nest temperatures, and look for signs of erosion that could put nests in danger.

Everyone will get a break in the middle of the day to share a meal and swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach. In the evenings, after a hearty dinner, you may hear an informal talk by a researcher or just sit and enjoy the sunset.

At some point during your stay, you’ll visit a local school. You’ll also have at least one half-day to visit the town of Tamarindo for shopping and exploring. By the end of the trip, you’ll have experienced both Costa Rica’s natural wonders and its wonderful culture.

ABOUT Frank Paladino

MEET THE OTHER SCIENTISTS

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Wireless Internet

Freshwater swimming pool

Beachfront accommodations

You’ll stay at the Goldring Marine Biology Field Station, a hub for marine research that’s perched right at the edge of the beach. You and a few teammates will share a bedroom with bunk beds (one couples room may be available). In your free time, you can lounge in a hammock, take a walk among the vibrant local wildlife, or peruse the books in the station’s library.

You’ll enjoy typical Costa Rican breakfasts and dinners, which often include beans, rice, meat, and fish (vegetarian options are usually available), at Kike’s, a restaurant near the accommodations. The field station will set out supplies for a light lunch, but past volunteers have said that breakfasts and dinners are often hearty enough that they can skip lunch.

“Challenging, but highly rewarding”

Supporting the project's biologists in their efforts to save leatherback turtles from extinction was one of the most challenging, yet learning-filled and rewarding experiences I have had. I knew nothing about sea turtles when I arrived at the research station and did not appreciate how hard it would be to patrol the beach where the leatherbacks nest from 11 pm to 5 am almost every night with only a new moon and stars as light. After the first night, I wanted to return home as quickly as possible. But I am so glad I stayed! Leatherbacks are incredible, other-worldly creatures returning to the beach where they first hatched every three years to lay hundreds of eggs, and then going back to the sea without ever knowing their hatchlings. Releasing babies that fit into the palm of a hand into the sea, wondering how they will survive with a nurturing parent and yet they do. The commitment of the biologists - mostly recent college graduates - to the turtles and the research protocol also impressed me deeply. The project also had great amenities - a location on a beautiful, three-mile beach populated mostly by surfers, a gorgeous sunset every evening, good meals at a nearby cafe, internet connection, and air-conditioning in the living area. I would highly recommend the project for someone in excellent physical condition with a passion for learning and a love of the seaside.

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Audrey Don|Sunday, February 10, 2019

“Costa Rican Sea Turtles - Wonder filled”

My experience far exceeded my expectations. I worried about staying up at night and not having enough sleep but the late breakfasts, eye-shades, and afternoon naps took care of that.

I loved, loved, loved walking the beach whether or not there were turtles. The opportunity to be in tune with nature and watch the slow but inexorable change the tide and movement of the moon and constellations in the sky over the passage of time was magical. And then, when a turtle was sighted, turtle adrenaline took over and time was irrelevant.

I remember the beginning of one patrol. We had walked one stretch, taken a break and were on the way back when we sighted a Leatherback turtle coming out of the water. We watched her start to make a nest, patrolled again, came back, took data and counted eggs, patrolled again, and then saw her trudging back into the ocean. What a privilege to experience and to be part of the effort to save these endangered turtles. It was 3 hours later when I finally noticed time again.

Though it would be hard to say what I found best about the expedition, I would have to say it was being with such a passionate group of young biologists and volunteers. Walking with a biologist each night and hearing their stories, their passion for their work, and their intrepid and caring spirits was inspiring!

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Kathy Crisp|Monday, March 26, 2018

“This experience was marvelous”

This experience was marvelous. I truly appreciated that the scientists actually needed our help. That sense of really contributing makes this an amazing project and an irreplaceable experience.

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Tamara Potter|Wednesday, February 28, 2018

“Christmas CR Team 2018”

Costa Rican Sea Turtles trip was a well-paced blend of beach patrols, nest relocation, data measurements, and relaxation during the day. The biology team members were knowledgeable and patient. The food was simple and nutritious, the accommodations were very clean, comfortable and spacious. I know that the team could not have planned for a leatherback to arrive on Christmas, but it was the perfect gift.

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Veronica Johnson|Wednesday, February 28, 2018

“Participating in REAL Research!”

I came into the Costa Rican Sea Turtles Expedition already passionate about sea turtles, and this trip gave me confidence that the career path is right for me! We were able to work hands-on with the nesting females and hatchlings both during the day through excavations, hatchling measurements, and morning walks and at night with nesting and hatchling releases. I was surrounded by awesome biologists and volunteers who opened my eyes to the reality of the future of sea turtles. This was an amazing opportunity to see what life is like for the dedicated biologists who study sea turtles and to listen to their advice for a student who is just starting out pursuing the same field. I was able to see all three species of turtles that nest at Playa Grande, and it made me even more excited to study sea turtles in the future, especially Leatherbacks!

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Ruth Robarts|Saturday, January 13, 2018

“Second sea turtle expedition - it only gets better”

In 2015, my first Earthwatch expedition was the sea turtle experience at Playa Grande on the Pacific Coast of Guancaste province in Costa Rica. In December of 2017, I returned to Playa Grande for a second expedition. My 2017 experience was even more wonderful than my memories of the first time.

Working with other volunteers and the very dedicated, energetic, international team of marine biologists is refreshing and educational in every way. The setting is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The work is important, as pollution of the oceans, industrial fishing, and global warming of our time severely threatens the Leatherback turtles---here for over 110 millions years and the survivors of three mass extinctions. Getting a chance to protect the eggs of the remaining Leatherbacks (as well as Ridleys) is unforgettable. The same is true for the chance to see young biologists doing crucial work.

If you're thinking of joining this expedition, aim for a week with moonlight. High tides come with moonlight and nesting activity increases. A nesting sea turtle moves slowly on land. Watching one return to the sea after nesting is a sublime experience---even better with a full moon.

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Laura Napran|Sunday, December 24, 2017

“Best Holiday of my Life - an Expedition where you can really make a difference”

The Costa Rican Sea Turtles expedition was, by far, the best holiday of my life. It was an awesome experience to see the giant leatherback and other turtles (as well as hatchlings), but the best part was that I was able to make a real and valuable contribution to the research and conservation. On my first night, I was already lying behind a sea turtle catching her eggs to take them to the hatchery for protection from predators. As a volunteer, I was an integral and valued member of the team, working with a group of passionate and dedicated biologists. It is hands-on and high-participation work where you learn a tremendous amount about sea turtles and sea ecology. The biologists went out of their way to ensure we had a good experience, were open and sharing with their information and knowledge, and made us feel like we were part of a family. Make no mistake – it is challenging physically, as the work requires patrolling the beach for 6 hours a night with up to 8 or 9 miles walking on soft sand at a good pace. But if you are fit and motivated, this is an expedition on which you can make a real difference. I left feeling I had made a genuine contribution to the conservation of these endangered turtle species, that I had done something to help ensure their continued survival.

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Elyse Parchmont|Sunday, December 24, 2017

“Costa Rican Sea Turtles”

If you are interested in this expedition, and are unsure, do it! I had amazing experiences on my expedition. We saw several Leatherback sea turtles (we did get to see nesting), numerous Olive Riley nestlings, and we were lucky enough to see many Olive Ridley hatchlings emerge from the nests and go off to the sea! The food was very good and the atmosphere was great! The housing is very comfortable. The biologists are excited about the research and project, and the efforts are projected to make a difference for these species. If you get a chance, do some of the side trips if they are offered! Zip lining, town visit, snorkeling, etc are all great.

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Walter Hill|Friday, December 22, 2017

“The Majesty of Life”

Being in the presence of these magnificent animals touched my soul. Knowing that my small contribution of time and effort may make a difference for the survival of the species gives me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I cannot imagine time better spent than working with sea turtles and the researchers in Playa Grande.

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Mary Deheck|Friday, September22, 2017

“Tremendous Turtles”

Truly a tremendous team of biologists on site with The Leatherback Trust. They willing shared their knowledge and experience with us, The possibility of seeing a nesting leatherback, or any other turtle nesting was anticipated for this volunteer trip. The counter was that it is mother nature and sometimes all is not what would be preferred. However, my group lucked out with nesting turtles (black, olive ridley and green) coming to the beach during our time there. Walking the sands for many nights and hours or guarding incubating nests in the hatchery, plus daytime nest analysis only confirmed my opinion that working with endangered turtles is worth my time and efforts. My plan is to do more Earthwatch volunteer expeditions in the future. A nesting turtle under a full moon is an experience to be remembered and re-enjoyed!

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Elizabeth Royer|Friday, March10, 2017

“Volunteers working side by side with scientists!”

This project gave me a real sense of accomplishment and I felt that I could see positive results almost immediately. The positive results were due to the ability to see hatchlings come up from the egg chamber, assist in releasing them and helping with the nesting process of the adult turtles. This was an all encompassing project, in that we worked all different hours and duties. I really loved being able to do different things. Monitoring the hatchery at night was pretty awesome.....being there all night long and listening to the crash of the waves and viewing the spectacular night sky was breathtaking. Assisting with the nesting process of the turtles is an experience that very few people will ever even know about, let alone view and participate in. This project is all about doing, which is very fulfilling for a volunteer.

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Kathleen Savage|Thursday, February9, 2017

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The Leatherback turtle project was a wonderful experience, We were able to work right along with the scientists, they made us feel wanted, got to be able to see nesting turtles, help relocate the eggs to a safer location and be part of the release of hatchlilngs. Overall great experience. Would advise the trip for others. got to really appreciate the work that is done to protect an endangered species.

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Sara Buchan|Thursday, February9, 2017

“Amazing Experience”

Never thought I'd be nose-to-tail with a Leatherback turtle - but that's the experience this expedition gave me. Playa Grande is beautiful, the field station pretty comfortable(thankyou Gisselle!), the food excellent and the biologists amazing! Everything that was awesome about this trip is down to Janell, Paola, Laura, Dana, Quintin, and Rhys (spelling errors are mine), and my Team 8 siblings! Despite bug bites & blisters, I wouldn't trade the 9-days in CR for anything. Thank you.

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Richard Savage|Sunday, January22, 2017

“Cosata Rican Sea Turtles”

Excellent trip, Saw leatherbacks nesting/laying eggs, nightly walks along the beach by moonlight. A great team of volunteers and the scientists. Opportunities for leisure activities and experience the local culture.

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Therese Clemo|Tuesday, January 27, 2015

“My Christmas Present”

It was Christmas Eve and I rolled out of my bunk and into a velvet warm Costa Rican night ; I was as excited as a child and ready to begin my midnight watch . Cicadas chirped, Racoons bickered and the truffle oil musky scent of skunk momentarily filled the air. A short walk from the field centre and I was on the bright white sand of Ventanas beach. Bioluminescent waves , luminous white roared ashore and meteors shot across the starry heavens. Our first task of the night was to release a large number of Hatchlings. High up the beach we tilted the bucket , and the baby turtles , determined and fearless , scampered towards the vast Pacific Ocean. We moved quietly alongside them , invisible guardian angels , it was truly beautiful , especially as the turtles were speckled in bioluminescence ! They bobbed out to sea like tiny fairy lights . Awe struck we wished them well on their epic adventure ; one which would take them as far away as The Galapagos and onwards to Chile. The rest of the night shift involved patrolling the shoreline , looking for turtle tracks , hoping for a turtle to come ashore to lay her eggs. If you were very lucky it would be a Giant Leatherback. In between we would rest , laying out under the vast array of constellations , sharing stories , laughter and learning so much from the amazing field centre team and fellow volunteers. Christmas Day just before dawn an Olive Ridgley turtle heaved herself out of the waves and began to build her nest. Counting her eggs , and observing the dexterity of her back fins carving out the sand, was something we all found deeply moving - it's phenomenal to be able to witness and be close to such ancient beings ... First light , Stars fading , howler monkeys calling , a hummingbird seeking first nectar we wandered home , enchanted... This was without a doubt my best Christmas present ever.

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Jean Freed|Thursday, December 04, 2014

“Extremely well run project, important work, impressive animals, challenging”

The turtles are extremely impressive animals. They are huge and very endangered.

This project is probably the best run charity project that I have ever seen: well organized with hard working people who are also very pleasant and easy to get on with.

The research station is surprisingly lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed staying there, bright, fresh and clean.

The biologists really, really need help and there is a lot for volunteers to do.

However, I prepared and trained to walk 10 kms (6.2 miles) a night patroling the beach and on several nights we went 15 kms (9.3 miles). My feet had a real problem with this and I do not think that I performed very well.

Additionally, you have to walk without using any lights and I was there during the new moon, so it was quite hard to navigate and to not trip over driftwood or fall into the turtle nests.

All of the biologist were wondefully helpful and I actually walked the majority of my beach patrols with my hand on a biologist's shoulder.

I really enjoyed this experience but it was more physically challenging then I had expected. It would probably be fine for younger people. I am in my early 60s.

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Christine Schmid|Monday, November 17, 2014

“Costa Rican Sea Turtles”

I had a great time in Las Baulas with the team and the turtles. It was strange patroulling the beaches in the dark, looking for tracks. It is emazing to see the turtles lying their eggs and disappearing in the sea.

We had alot of fun and the team is great. Nathan is fantastic biologist never tired to tell you more about the turtles and all the others are so in love with their work for the turtles.

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Robert McMeikan|Thursday, February 06, 2014

“Real science! Real difference! Real endangered species!”

'A trip of a lifetime' is an often used phrase today. A remote location, a rare encounter, an unusual itinery; all can represent something special. People write 'bucket lists' as they plan.

Our Earthwatch trip was a rare and precious opportunity to do all these things. We worked with a real dinosaur species on a beautiful stretch of golden sands in a distant land.

During our visit to Costa Rica we were fortunate enough to have close encounters with three species of sea turtle including the incredible leatherback. We saw the entire life process from egg through hatchling to returning mother.

The scientists took time to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, and to involve us as full participants in the conservation work.

Our location allowed us unique access to the project and to an unusual Eco system. We were privileged to see other unusual creatures including crocodiles and howler monkeys and to see the way the local people have adapted to support the work of the project. While walking along the starlit beach we had the chance to connect with our planet's peace.

The research centre had good accommodation and facilities and the days were well structured for all those involved.

I would recommend this project to anyone who wishes to learn more about turtles, the ocean or conservation. It's well organized and balances science, nature and wonder in a way that I couldn't have predicted. I'm looking forward to booking our next trip! Maybe to Costa Rica again!

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Judith Wieske|Thursday, February 06, 2014

“She's 6 feet long. After nesting I get a chance to touch her massive shell. Feels like a smooth leather saddle. Few people are allowed!”

The location in Costa Rica is great. You could see the ocean from our air-conditioned house with a living room and full kitchen, but we always ate breakfast and dinner at the restaurant, Kike's Place, which was included in the cost. Good food and drink.

We walked our beach (@ 2 miles, about 30 min.) rest for 20 minutes, then walk again. If a turtle comes up to nest, you have to look for tags and if she's not tagged by us then she is given one. The same turtle will nest up to about ten times in a season. It's really fun to wrestle a turtle from trying to get back to the ocean when you want to tag her. They weigh A LOT!!! There's not only leatherbacks, but olive ridleys and black sea turtles. Very cool! Had to wrestle two different turtles.

One thing I must say is that everyone there made you feel like you were REALLY appreciated. The work is so important and by having volunteers there to help the scientists might actually be able to take a night off. They work every night regardless of weather, holidays, family visitors, whatever. And if you like one type of job more than another, they make sure you get to do that more often. Because of their work here we should start to see an increase in the number of nesting turtles. The hatchlings that were saved 15 years ago should start to come back to nest and the numbers should increase a lot over the next several years. I really felt that I contributed to the world's eco system by volunteering in Costa Rica.

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Ronald LeMahieu|Thursday, February 06, 2014

“Leatherback Sea Turtles in Costa Rica”

This expedition is one of the best I have participated in and I've done many others. The location is fantastic -- right on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica with fantastic sunsets every night. The house is adequate and has a wonderful swimming pool. Since the project has been running for twenty years it has made it much more likely that the leatherback turtles will not go extinct. Bringing some 400 hatchlings back to the ocean at night gives volunteers a great feeling of doing something to help preserve a species. I enjoyed the opportunity to walk on one of the world's most beautiful beaches each morning when you never knew what you would find.

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Elizabeth Jones|Saturday, January 04, 2014

“Costa Rica Endangered Leatherbacks!”

This was a trip of a lifetime. Watching dinosaur giants make their traditional nesting journey up the beach while we supported real scientific research and then seeing tiny hatchlings begin their lives was truly breathtaking!

To be a part of something so precious and yet so primeval was unimaginable. We were also able to interact with other people who were curious about the project, sharing knowledge and understanding.

The volunteer group was very committed and involved in the work. We walked more than 100 miles over nights across the week. It was hard work but very rewarding.

Costa Rica is a dream destination too. This trip will give us permanent memories!

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